DNA results pending for Elwha Dam dead body

Detectives say it could be 30 days or more before we find out if the body of a woman found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound near the site of the former Elwha Dam is from Grays Harbor.

Detective Sgt. John Keegan of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office told the Peninsula Daily News that they have identified at least two likely relatives of the woman and are waiting for confirmation via DNA tests.

“[There’s] a high probability we discovered next of kin, and we’re trying to match DNA up,” Keegan said.

A Washington Conservation Corps work crew found the body Oct. 17 about 65 yards off where Lower Dam Road turns to gravel, the Sheriff’s Office has said.

The woman, likely dead for at least a week, was found with a gunshot wound to the head and a revolver lying next to the body, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

DNA samples have been taken from the presumed mother and sister of the woman and are on their way to the State Patrol Crime Laboratory for comparison, said Keegan.

“We’re just going to be sending those off to the lab as soon as possible and waiting for those replies back,” Keegan said.

He said results would likely take at least 30 days to get back, depending on the lab’s case load.

A woman from the Seattle-area told investigators late last month that the woman might be a friend of hers, allowing detectives to secure a photo of the woman from the state Department of Licensing.

Detectives were not able to confirm the identity through medical records, because no medical providers for the woman could be found.

Detectives believe the woman was from Grays Harbor and likely traveled to Clallam County by bus, since no vehicle associated with her was found.